Albert Feinauer

comprising a coffee pot, milk jug and sugar bowl

“Hollow Ware Makes the Extra Sale,” Dry Goods Economist, no. 85, January 1931, p. 111 (for the model)
W. Scott Braznell, "Modern Expression in American Silver: The Designs of the Weimar Émigré Albert Feinauer (1866-1955)," Winterthur Portfolio, vol. 44, no. 4, 2010, p. 282 (for the model) 
Judith A. Barter et. al., "American Silver in the Art Institute of Chicago," New Haven, 2016, pp. 221-222 and 249

Overall very good condition. Fine scuffs and hairline scratches present throughout the surfaces, concentrated to the interior of the sugar bowl. A minor shallow dent to the side of the milk jug, measuring approximately ⅝ in. and not visually disruptive. A few minor nicks to the edges of the bases and the edge of the coffee pot spout and lid. A beautiful and very rare example of American modern design that presents very well. teapot: 9 3/8 x 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. milk jug: 4 1/2 x 2 3/4 x 3 5/8 in. sugar bowl: 2 3/8 x 6 x 3 7/8 in.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This set’s cubist ornament is rare in American design before 1930 and its execution through hand-chasing was one of the skills Albert Feinauer perfected as both a practitioner and instructor. He became the metal workshop teacher in the Grand-Ducal School of Arts and Crafts established in Weimar, Germany in 1906 by Henri Van De Velde which, following World War I, was re-organized by Walter Gropius as the Bauhaus. This set’s chasing on the coffee pot and milk jug of random steps and intersecting arcs does not conform to the abolition of ornament dominant in Bauhaus metalwork.  Indeed, Feinauer was a member of the Deutscher Werkbund which presented an exhibition in 1924 entitled Form Ohne Ornament (“Form without Ornament”). Feinauer immigrated to the United States in 1925. In opposition to the doctrinaire teachings of the Werkbund and the Bauhaus, Feinauer put into manufacture form with ornament.

The present lot is one of two known sets of this model; the other is in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago (2014.996.1-3).